Donald George Stiles

September 03, 1926 - December 08, 2009

SCOTTSDALE ARIZ - Donald George Stiles, 83, died Dec. 8, 2009, at his home in Desert Mountain, Scottsdale, Ariz. Mr. Stiles was born Sept. 3, 1926, in Brownville Junction, son of the late Grace and George Stiles. He graduated from Brownville Junction High School where he played football, basketball and baseball, and also enjoyed hunting and the outdoors of his adored Maine. Don also served in the Army Air Corps near the end of World War II. While visiting Cleveland, he met and married his late wife, Carolyn R. McFarlin. Settling in Cleveland, he graduated from Fenn College of Engineering. Moving to Bay Village, Ohio, to raise their family, they later moved to Medina, Ohio, and wintered at their home in Water Glades, Singer Island, Fla. At Carolyn's passing, he moved to a second winter home in Palm City, Fla. and later in Scottsdale, Ariz. As a young ambitious man, Don had jobs with the local school system and railroad stoking boilers and later painting train trestles. In 1956, he co-founded Webb-Stiles Co., Valley City, Ohio. While growing this young company, he providing unselfishly for his family and employees. Expanding in 1975 to Gadsden, Ala., he retired as president in 1993, yet maintained an advising role till his passing. His interests included family, friends, fishing, boating, golf, cards and flying. He played softball in an old timers league for ages 65 and older. Mostly, he enjoyed his morning crossword puzzles and Sudokus. He loved people, making friends easily and endearing himself to so many. Mr. Stiles is survived by his loving daughter, Sandi and Mike Matthews of Jackson Hole, Wyo.; and son, Donald Jr. "Hap" and Martha of Medina, Ohio. He was a devoted grandpa to his grandchildren, Lori and Joe Palumbo of Keller, Texas, Stacey and Mat Truman of Lakewood, Colo., David Gwynn of Englewood, Colo., Meghan and John Lisi of Pueblo West, Colo., Lisa Dean of San Diego, Melissa and Josh Beaudette of Parker, Colo., and Michelle Stiles of Brunswick, Ohio; and great-grandchildren, Taylor and Alex Palumbo, Zach, Justin, Cameron, Tyler, and Gracie Truman, Jakob and Grant Lisi and Lauren Dean. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 51 years, Carolyn; son, David Alan; and brother, William W. Friends and family may call 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 3300 Center Road, Brunswick, Ohio, where a celebration of his life will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Don's favorite charity was the Salvation Army and in these difficult economic times, in lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in his name to Salvation Army of Medina, 425 West Liberty St., Medina, OH 44256 or your local branch of choice.